PURCHASING YOUR YORKIE

Please be very careful purchasing your new Yorkie !!  You are basically adopting a new family member and it should be taken very seriously!  I have heard the most heart breaking stories you can imagine from many people that have contacted me.  You see, Yorkies became the #1 most popular dog in the AKC as of 2006.  For 26 years prior the Labs took the # spot and the yorkies where always in the top 5. They so adorable and small, intelligent, loving, loyal, cuddly, playful, and have wonderful personalities.  The fact that they do not shed is a huge reason they are so popular also.  Many people have allergies and can't have a dog unless they don't shed.  Also many people don't like constantly cleaning off dogs hair from there clothes, furniture etc. With yorkies you don't have this problem because again they don't shed.  Also many famous people are seen with there Yorkies and love dressing them in the fine designer outfits and carrying them in high fashion doggie bags.  Louis Vuttion, Juicy Couture, etc. all make gorgeous dog carry bags and collars.  You can find many adorable well made outfits and bags that don't cost much at all either on line or at your local stores.  So all this hype around Yorkies has driven the cost through the roof and you unfortunately have people out there capitalizing on this.  Do not send any money, cashiers checks or money orders to anyone claiming to have a yorkie for you.  Be very careful !!  Many people have been robbed this way !  I strongly advise you finding a reputable breeder within driving distance from your home and going to meet them and the pups.  You should always meet the pups mom and dad, meet the breeder and see the facility the pup was born and raised at.  This will give you a real good idea of what the pup will look like fully grown and tell you a lot about the breeder by seeing the home or kennel.  Make sure you read up on hereditary disorders of yorkies so you know what to look for when you meet the pups.  Examples:  hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, weak pup), liver shunts, allergies, luxating patella's (dislocated knee caps) which are all seen in miss breed yorkies.  
  What is a teacup Yorkshire terrier ?  Generally a teacup is a Yorkie that weighs 4 pounds or under.  You will see them listed as tinnies, doll face, miniature, etc....
If the mom and dad are large odds are the pup will be around the same size.  There is always a runt of the liter which is the smallest pup and sometimes this is where the teacup may come from.  If mom and dad are small odds are that your pup will be tiny as well.  A general rule I follow is to double the weight at 3 months old and add a 1/2 a pound to that weight and this will give you approximate weight of the puppy when he is full grown.  The smaller the dog the more dangerous to breed.  It is also harder to find healthy tiny yorkies.  Again, please be very careful and do your homework.  You can end up with a broken heart and a broken wallet !! 
  Make sure your breeder extends to you at least a one year health guarantee in writing and get a written contract of sale.  Take your Yorkie to the vets right away to assure you purchased a healthy dog.
STAY AWAY FROM PUPPY MILLS !!  GAURANTEED HEART BREAK !!! If someone is offering you a cheap Yorkshire terrier there is a reason why.  Do your homework.  This is one decision in your life you don't want to find a great bargain on.  You will pay for it in the long run !!

email us with any questions or concerns at mmillett@snet.net